The Development of Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy in China – Does it fit with Chinese Culture?

A presentation by Dr Xu Yong

Respondent: Earl Hopper

Chair: Sue Einhorn

19th February 2016, 5.45 pm - 9.30 pmInstitute of Group Analysis,

1 Daleham Gardens, London NW3 5BY

The remarkable social and economic changes in China since 1980 have led the Chinese people to realise the importance of mental health. The Chinese people have experienced radical, rapid changes in society: the end of social security, large scale internal migration, the introduction of the one child policy, young adults who are torn between conformity and autonomy, the breakdown of traditional family structures, and an increase in individuality, all resulting in increased psychological pressure. All these changes have led to increased demand for mental health services. I will use the development of psychodynamic group psychotherapy in the Shanghai Mental Health Center and my own experience of leading groups as illustrations of its benefits for China, and the difficulties and obstacles it encounters in Chinese culture.

Yong Xu, M.D., studied Medicine at the Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University. He specialised in psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, psychodynamic individual and group psychotherapy. He is the Deputy Director of Department of Training and Education, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Faculty Member of Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Board Member of Psychoanalytic Committee of Chinese Mental Health Association, and Board Member of International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes.